What do you need to build a product?
We are on our way- we started years back, we are still building. And we keep adding features, tweaking or revamping UI and we keep adding customers.
It sounds great but it is not so simple, obviously.
We have worked hard for years, made changes to workflows, UI, cut features, added features, changes pricing, run promotions. We have shown the product to thousands. And a few thousands have used and continue to use the product.
And we keep getting better. There are many answers to the web on “how to build a great product”. I personally like many of them. But, the one quality you need – other than the obvious and usual ones like getting to a product market fit, hustle, investing in scale, selecting the right feedback…
And, that quality is patience. Coupled with belief.
Not just yours; but your customers’ too!
You must have faith in your sense of direction. And your customers, especially some of the early adopters must share it too.
You must be patient. There will be problems that will take days to solve. Implementation issues will clog delivery of that new feature that the customers have been shouting for. Perfectly working integrations will suddenly stop working.
No documentation, no roadmap, no stories of “been there and done that”. You need to have patience and you need customers, who have bought into the vision and are willing to wait.
Remember it is a journey. Enjoy the ride.